Eliota helps Manu Samoa clinch World Cup berth

Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu was amongst the try scorers as Manu Samoa clinched qualification for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand after beating Papua New Guinea 73-12 in Port Moresby at the weekend.

They are the second nation to qualify for the tournament after Canada booked their place earlier this month.

Manu Samoa will play in Pool D against champions South Africa, Wales and Fiji.

Samoa won 188-19 on aggregate over two matches against Papua New Guinea, having won 115-7 at Apia Park a week ago.

Wing Mikaele Pesamino opened the scoring with the first of his three tries after only four minutes at the Lloyd Robson stadium on Saturday.

Five more unanswered first-half tries by Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, Andrew Williams (2), Semo Sititi and a second for Pesamino, allied with four Titi Esau conversions, saw the visitors take a 38-0 half-time lead.

Roland Namo claimed one back for the Pupuks in the second-half before further scores from Fuimaono-Sapolu, Afa Aiono, Meki Magele, Pesamino and Gavin Williams.

Jack Maraha scored a late consolation try for the home side.

Eliota will now fly back to the UK to link up with his new Gloucester Rugby team mates in time for the 2009-10 season.

Fly-half Billy Burns was named Man of the Match after the 35-14 European Rugby Challenge Cup victory over Stade Rochelais on Thursday evening, and was full of praise for all his team mates for the win after a short turnaround.

Gloucester have been in good form in recent weeks, but Backs Coach Tim Taylor knows that the Cherry and Whites will have to be at their best on Thursday evening (kick off 7:45pm) against a Stade Rochelais side flying high this season.

Speaking to GRTV after the bonus point win over Bristol, back row Lewis Ludlow revealed that despite a tricky first half, Gloucester backed their skills to come through, a faith that was evident in a strong second half showing.

Willi Heinz scored Gloucester's second try as the Cherry and Whites overturned a disappointing first 40 minutes and 0-6 half time deficit, to earn a 26-18 Aviva Premiership victory over Bristol Rugby on Saturday.

Gloucester's much changed side had to overcome conceding an early try on Thursday evening, but responded in style to down Stade Rochelais by 35 points to 14 in the European Rugby Challenge Cup and set up a mouthwatering return fixture next weekend.

After taking 11 points from their last three games in the Aviva Premiership, including bonus point wins against Wasps and Bristol, Gloucester will be looking to continue their good form when they welcome La Rochelle to Kingsholm.